Boat hoist remote control system

ABSTRACT

A remote control boat hoist system is presented which has means for automatically positioning a boat hull into water at an optimum depth. An electronically programmable controller, boat hoist remote control device, is comprised of two units; a transmitter and a receiver controls the action of a boat hoist. The transmitter, which can either be hand-held or permanently mounted, contains the electronic circuitry which transmits the various control signals to the receiver either by radio or infrared waves. The transmitter is equipped with a keypad allowing the user to select from various control functions. The receiver, which is mounted near or on the boat hoist, receives the signals sent by the transmitter and decodes them. Depending upon the control signal sent, the receiver operates the mechanical actuators of the boat hoist. These in turn cause the boat hoist to progress upward, downward, tilt, stop, etc. The controller has means for detecting transmission errors between its transmitter unit and receiver unit. Sunlight visible Light Emitting Diodes (LED) are used to indicate operational status of the system. The controller device can also remotely actuate accessory devices.

PRIOR FILINGS

This application claims the benefit of provisional application U.S. Ser.No. 60/576,131, filed Jun. 3, 2004 by inventors John R. Zebryk, Jr. andWilliam C. Mannion, and entitled “Boat Hoist Remote Control”.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to the field of apparatus for a BoatHoist Remote Control system. Moreover it pertains specifically to asystem for remotely controlling boat hoists and accurately and safelypositioning boat hulls into or out of the water.

2. Description of Related Art

Many devices have been proposed for Boat Hoist Remote Control. Some ofthese devices are found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,593,247, issued to James A.Endres et al. on Jan. 14, 1997.

However, these devices are limited in their functionality, and typicallyprovide simple up and down control as found in garage door openers.There is a need to significantly expand upon the usefulness of a remotecontrol by providing both momentary and latched modes of operation, theability to individually control multiple motors and a practical means toposition the boat according to the tide or water level.

Although Endres discloses “vertically spaced height adjustable moisturesensors may be provided along one of the pilings” apparently todetermine water level, and use same to accommodate for changing tides,Endres fails to articulate a workable implementation. In a marineenvironment, moisture is omnipresent, caused by wave action, wind, highhumidity, rain, boat wakes, and fog. Sensors sensitive to moisture wouldbe complex, unreliable, inaccurate, expensive and impractical.

It is therefore an object of the Boat Hoist Remote Control Systeminvention to provide a means for automatic boat hoist cradle positioningwith safety and cost efficiency.

OBJECTIVES AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A principal objective of the present invention is to provide a BoatHoist Remote Control that will overcome the deficiencies of the priorart devices.

An objective of the present invention is to provide a Boat Hoist RemoteControl device and system that provides means for automaticallypositioning the hull into the water at the optimum depth.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a Boat HoistRemote Control device and system that provides means for automaticallypositioning the hull into the water at the optimum depth employing ahydraulic technique to minimize the effects of wave action.

Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a BoatHoist Remote Control device and system that provides means forautomatically positioning the hull into the water at the optimum depthemploying a software technique to minimize the effects of wave action.

Still another objective of the present invention is to provide a BoatHoist Remote Control device and system that provides means forautomatically limiting the excursion of travel.

A further objective of the present invention is to provide a Boat HoistRemote Control device and system that provides means for minimizingmotor starts whilst maintaining safety utilizing time-out timer whichautomatically stops all motion unless periodically over-ridden viaactuation of a keypad function.

A still further objective of the present invention is to provide a BoatHoist Remote Control device and system that provides means for actuatingaccessory devices.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a Boat HoistRemote Control device and system that provides means for leveling anddraining the boat.

A yet further objective of the present invention is to provide a BoatHoist Remote Control device and system that provides means for detectingtransmission errors between the transmitter and the receiver.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a Boat HoistRemote Control device and system that provides means indicatingoperational status via the employment of sunlight visible Light EmittingDiodes.

Briefly stated, the present invention is a remote control boat hoistsystem which has means for automatically positioning a boat hull intowater at an optimum depth. An electronically programmable controller,boat hoist remote control device, is comprised of two units; atransmitter and a receiver controls the action of a boat hoist. Thetransmitter, which can either be hand-held or permanently mounted,contains the electronic circuitry which transmits the various controlsignals to the receiver either by radio or infrared waves. Thetransmitter is equipped with a keypad allowing the user to select fromvarious control functions. The receiver, which is mounted near or on theboat hoist, receives the signals sent by the transmitter and decodesthem. Depending upon the control signal sent, the receiver operates themechanical actuators of the boat hoist. These in turn cause the boathoist to progress upward, downward, tilt, stop, etc. The controller hasmeans for detecting transmission errors between its transmitter unit andreceiver unit. Sunlight visible Light Emitting Diodes (LED) are used toindicate operational status of the system. The controller device canalso remotely actuate accessory devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings further describe by illustration the advantagesand objects of the present invention. Each drawing is referenced bycorresponding figure reference characters within the “DETAILEDDESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION” section to follow.

FIG. 1. is a perspective view of a Boat Hoist Remote Control deviceaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 2. is a perspective view of a Boat Hoist Remote Control systemaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 3. is a block diagram of a Boat Hoist Remote Control transmitterunit according to the present invention.

FIG. 4. is a block diagram of a Boat Hoist Remote Control receiver unitaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 5. is a diagram of a Boat Hoist Remote Control system signalingprotocol according to the present invention.

FIG. 6. is a schematic diagram of a Boat Hoist Remote Control receivercontroller unit according to the present invention.

FIG. 7. is a perspective view of a Boat Hoist Remote Control TideMaticapparatus according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In view of the limitations now present in the prior art, the presentinvention provides a new and useful Boat Hoist Remote Control device andsystem which is simpler in construction, more universally usable andmore versatile in operation than known apparatus of this kind.

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a new Boat HoistRemote Control device that has many novel features not offered by theprior art apparatus that result in a new Boat Hoist Remote Controldevice and system which is not apparent, obvious, or suggested, eitherdirectly or indirectly by any of the prior art apparatus

In contrast to the prior art, the Boat Hoist Remote Control system usesa hydraulic technique which is simple, reliable, accurate, inexpensiveand practical. By mounting the sensor to the hoist cradle, instead of afixed object, many benefits are achieved. The float sensor is sensitiveto water pressure acting upon the float and indicates not the depth ofthe water, but the relative position of the hull in the water instead.Further, instead of being constantly immersed or exposed to water, thesensor is only exposed during launching or loading operations of theboat hoist. Further still, by incorporating both a software andhydraulic technique for compensating for wave action, it is accurate andprovides for optimum positioning of the boat for loading or launching.

The benefits provided by the Boat Hoist Remote Control system forautomatically positioning the boat into the water are numerous. As inall known existing boat hoists employ the use of manual means by eye, itis difficult to do so accurately and conveniently. If the boat cradle islowered too far, the boat can be pushed about by waves causing severedamage to the boat, the cradle or the dock. If the boat is lowered notfar enough, the amount of power necessary to launch or load can alsocause severe damage. Further still, safety is comprised when theexcessive power required causes a sudden uncontrolled jerk when the boatbreaks free from the cradle. The optimum position is wherein a minimumamount of power is required to launch or load, yet wherein the boat isfirmly constrained by the cradle.

The Boat Hoist Remote Control device and system were designed to improveupon the safety and convenience of controlling boat hoists used to lowerand raise marine craft into or out of the water. In contrast withpermanently wired electrical controls, it allows the operator to safelycontrol the motion from a distance and provides for automated functionsnot currently available. It is primarily comprised of two units; atransmitter and a receiver.

The transmitter unit is typically hand-held and is equipped with akeypad which allows the operator to control the motion(s) of the boathoist. In the current embodiment, these include the basic functions ofup and down, as well as port up/down and starboard up/down for hoistshaving two or more lift motors. These latter function(s) allow forleveling operations and also facilitate the draining of the boat bycanting it sideways.

The receiver unit is typically permanently mounted to the boat hoistmechanism and controls the operation of the lifting motor(s). Usuallyencased in a waterproof housing, it decodes the signals sent to it bythe transmitter, and depending upon the status of one or more externalinputs, determines the direction of rotation of the motor(s). Typically,for large AC motors, control is accomplished through relays orcontactors. Contained in a separate waterproof housing, these areusually permanently wired to the motors directly.

In the current embodiment, the transmitter allows the operator to selectfrom eight different control functions using the keypad. These are asfollows: Up: Hoist motion upwards. Down: Hoist motion downwards. JogPort Up: Port motor upwards. Jog Port Down: Port motor downwards. JogStarboard Up: Starboard motor upwards. Jog Starboard Down: Starboardmotor upwards. TideMatic: Tide seeking mode. Light: Turns On/Off worklight.

The “Up/Down” functions are both latching types. Depressing once turnsON, depressing again turns off.

Jog functions are momentary types, depressing turns ON, release turnsOFF. These provide for the leveling of the boat to accommodate for winchcable slippage. These also provide for a controlled means to purposelycant the boat for draining.

The “TideMatic” function when enabled, lowers the boat into the waterand automatically stops motion when the hull is positioned at theoptimum water depth for launching or loading. This eliminates the needto manually position the hoist and is of significant convenience to theoperator.

The “Light” feature turns On/Off a work light on the boat hoist and/ordock and is of significant convenience and safety when docking/loadingat night.

For safety purposes, depressing any of the Jog or Up/Down functions,immediately stops all motion of the hoist. The allows the operator todepress any one of six functions instead of a single “STOP” function tosuccessfully cease motion.

For safety purposes, the Up/Down functions have been designed to operatefor a maximum of 60 seconds, then automatically stop. This can be resetwhilst operating by momentarily depressing the Light function. Thisprovides for an important “dead-man” safety feature whilst eliminatingexcessive “motor starts”.

Referring now descriptively to the drawings, the attached figuresillustrate a Boat Hoist Remote Control device.

FIG. 1, illustrates an actual Boat Hoist Remote Control device with itstransmitter and receiver units according to the present invention.Further in FIG. 2, is pictured a typical boat hoist system for use withthe Boat Hoist Remote Control device.

As seen in FIG. 3, the Boat Hoist Remote Control transmitter iscomprised of a radio frequency or infrared transmitter module 301, amicrocontroller 302, a keypad 303, and a power supply 304. Normally“OFF” or “ASLEEP” to conserve battery life, the microcontroller turns“ON” or “WAKES-UP” when a button is pressed. According to the numericvalue of the button pressed, the microcontroller sends a series ofbinary digits to the transmitter module as seen in FIG. 5. Thetransmitter module modulates the RF or IR carrier which is broadcast tothe receiver. In the current embodiment, CW (carrier wave) modulation isused. Alternatively, other modulation techniques such as AM. FM, FSK, orPSK could be employed as well.

As seen in FIG. 5, the command transmitted, is in the form of a packet.This is comprised of a synchronization pulse 501, an address field 502,and a switch code field 503. To enable the receiver to determine whetherinference has corrupted a packet, the address and switch codes are senttwo to three times. The packet shown in FIG. 5 is of a 2-bit address(binary 01) and 2 bit switch code (binary 01). The current embodiment isbased upon a 10-bit address (1024 combinations) and an 8-bit switch code(256 combinations).

The receiver, as seen in FIG. 4, is comprised of a receiver module 401,a microcontroller 402, input modules 403, output modules 404, statusindicators 405, and a power supply 406. The receiver module demodulatesthe carrier sent by the transmitter and sends a series of binary pulsesto the microcontroller. Constantly scanning for a synchronization pulse,the microcontroller uses this to identify the beginning of a validpacket. Detecting same, it decodes the following address and switch codefields which are repeated two to three times. If each of these fields isidentical, the packet is deemed error free. The microcontroller thencompares the received address with the one programmed into it, and, ifidentical, processes the command.

Depending upon the command received, and upon the current status of thesystem, the microcontroller 402, will implement various functions asseen in FIG. 6 according to a software program contained within. Theseinclude the following:

-   -   If the LIGHT code is received, the work light is toggled from ON        to OFF or OFF to ON.    -   If a JOG code is received, the associated jog output is switched        ON.    -   If in any JOG mode, receipt of the null or ZERO code, switches        all jog outputs to OFF.    -   If an UP or a DOWN code is received, the up motor output(s) is        switched ON.    -   Whilst the hoist is in up, down or Tidematic modes, if a UP,        DOWN, JOG or TideMatic code is received, all motor output(s) are        turned off. This provides for multiple opportunities to        terminate motion from multiple buttons.    -   If a TideMatic code is received, and the down motor output(s) is        switched ON.    -   If the hoist in UP or DOWN mode, a sixty second timer is set. If        this expires the UP or DOWN output(s) is switched OFF.    -   If a Light code is received whilst in the UP or DOWN mode, the        sixty second timer is reset to zero thereby providing a        “dead-man” safety feature and eliminating a motor start.    -   If in JOG, UP, DOWN, or in TideMatic mode, and the associated        limit switch or sensor becomes activated, the associated output        is switched OFF.    -   If in TideMatic mode, in the current embodiment, the associated        limit switch or sensor is required to be activated for 3-15        seconds providing protection from the variability of wave        action.

As seen in FIG. 4, the receiver has a number of output modules 404.Controlled by outputs from the microcontroller, these, in the currentembodiment, are triac driver integrated circuits which in turn controlzero-crossing “snubberless” triac's. In the current embodiment, theseare wired to an external AC contactor which is wired to the AC motor(s).Alternatively, employing multiple triacs in parallel, or by using SCR's,the AC motors could be controlled directly. Alternatively, for controlof DC motor(s), relays or MOSFET's could be employed.

As further seen in FIG. 4, input modules 403, are digital inputs tomicrocontroller 404, in the current embodiment, and are equipped with“Transient Voltage Suppressor” devices to protect from transient voltagespikes. Alternatively, analog sensors could be employed by utilizing theanalog to digital converter ports of the microcontroller.

Status indicators 405, annunciate the following, in the currentembodiment, using “sunlight visible” LED's which can be seen in directsunlight at 150 yards. Power Red (conventional) Error-Free PacketReceived Yellow 14,000 mcd Port Motor Up Green  7,000 mcd Port MotorDown Red 20,000 mcd Starboard Motor Up Green  7,000 mcd Starboard MotorDown Red 20,000 mcd TideMatic Mode On Blue  2,500 mcd

Power supply 406, in the current embodiment, is of a linear design,capable of operation between 85-150 VAC and is protected from linetransients by a “Metal Oxide Varistor” (MOV) and a current limiting fusedevice. Alternatively, a 6-24 DC power supply could be employed.

As seen in FIG. 7, the TideMatic water level sensing apparatus iscomprised of the following; Float Baffle 701, Float 702, Float Switch703, and Float Baffle Orifice 704. Upon activation of the TideMaticfunction, the boat cradle is lowered into the water, wherein uponimmersion, water begins flowing into Float Baffle 701. The rate ofegress of water is controlled by the diameter of Float Baffle Orifice704, which is appropriately sized to dampen the effects of wave action.When the water level within Float Baffle 701 causes Float 702 to riseand operate Float Switch 703, this change is sent via Float Lead 706which is detected by the microcontroller 404, and the TideMatic mode isterminated. The depth to which the boat is immersed is adjusted bymoving Slider 707 up or down within Float Baffle 701. The TideMaticsensor is mounted to the boat cradle, in the current embodiment, viaU-Bolts 708.

It will also be understood that, in addition to Boat Hoist RemoteControl, the device can be used boat hoists and boat davits.

Having described preferred embodiments of the invention with referenceto the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the inventionis not limited to these precise embodiments, and that various changesand modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the artwithout departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as definedin the appended claims, including changes in application or method ofuse or operation, method of manufacture, shape, size, or material whichare not specified within the detailed written description orillustrations contained herein yet would be apparent or obvious to oneskilled in the art.

1. A boat hoist remote control system in contact with a dock comprising:a boat hull lifting subsystem; wherein said lifting subsystem is incontact with said dock, and comprises a boat hoist having at least onelifting motor; an electronic programmable controller comprising atransmitter unit and a receiver unit; means for automaticallypositioning a boat hull into water at an optimum depth; wherein saidtransmitter unit has a keyboard and said unit is not physically orelectrically connected to other components of said remote controlsystem; wherein said receiver unit is in electrical contact with saidlifting subsystem; and wherein said transmitter unit comprises means toindicate operational status of system and keyboard functions forremotely controlling hoist operation.
 2. The hoist remote control systemaccording to claim 1, wherein said lift subsystem has at least onelifting motor to control boat port side movement and at least onelifting motor to control boat starboard movement and said transmitterunit has keyboard functions to control jogging each motor individually.3. The hoist remote control system according to claim 1, wherein saidmeans for automatically positioning said boat hull is a float sensorattached to said boat hoist.
 4. The hoist remote control systemaccording to claim 3, wherein said means for automatically positioningemploys a hydraulic technique to minimize effects of wave action.
 5. Thehoist remote control system according to claim 3, wherein said means forautomatically positioning employs a software technique to minimizeeffects of wave action.
 6. The remote control hoist system according toclaim 1, further comprising a means for automatically limiting excursionof travel for safety reasons.
 7. The remote control hoist systemaccording to claim 1, further comprising a means to automatically stopall motion unless periodically overridden via actuation of a keyboardfunction for safety reasons and to minimize motor starts.
 8. The remotecontrol hoist system according to claim 7, wherein said means toautomatically stop all motion comprises a timer associated with Up/Downswitches in said transmitter unit, which permit hoist operation in theselected direction to be sustained for no more than 60 seconds withoutfurther actuation of a keyboard function to reset timer to zero.
 9. Theremote control hoist system according to claim 1, further comprising ameans for remotely actuating accessory devices
 10. The hoist remotecontrol system according to claim 2, further comprising means forleveling and draining said boat hull.
 11. The hoist remote controlsystem according to claim 1, further comprising means for detectingtransmission errors between said transmitter unit and said receiverunit.
 12. The hoist remote control system according to claim 1, whereinsaid means to indicate operational status employs sunlight visible LightEmitting Diodes.
 13. The hoist remote control system according to claim1, wherein said keyboard functions regulate at least followingactions—Up, Down, Jog Up, Jog Down, TideMatic, Light; wherein Up/Downinitiates or stops hoist upward/downward motion; wherein Jog Up/Jog Downwhile pressed down allows upward/downward motion of hoist, and whenreleased turns motion off; wherein TideMatic places system in tideseeking mode; and wherein Light switches On/Off work light on said boathoist.
 14. The hoist remote control system according to claim 1, whereinsaid keyboard functions regulate Jog Port Up, Jog Port Down, JogStarboard Up, Jog Starboard Down in place of said Jog Up/Down functionpair of claim
 13. 15. The remote control hoist system according to claim1, wherein said receiver unit is usually encased in a waterproof housingas is each lifting motor.
 16. The hoist remote control system accordingto claim 13, wherein said TideMatic function key initiates automaticpositioning of said boat hull into water at an optimum depth.
 17. A boathoist remote controller and boat positioning sensor comprising: anelectronic programmable controller comprising a transmitter unit and areceiver unit; means for automatically positioning a boat hull intowater at an optimum depth; wherein said transmitter unit has a keyboardand said unit is not physically or electrically connected to othercomponents of said remote control system; wherein said receiver unit isin electrical contact with a lifting subsystem of a boat hoist; andwherein said transmitter unit comprises means to indicate operationalstatus of system and keyboard functions for remotely controlling boathoist operation.
 18. The boat hoist remote controller according to claim17, wherein said means for automatically positioning said boat hull is afloat sensor attached to a boat hoist.